Frequently Asked Questions

How fast will an electric vehicle go?

MC Electric Vehicles is taking deposits on the freeway speed Wheego LiFE for delivery in August 2010 and beyond, and proudly carries the Freeway Speed Zero Motorcycle (available NOW!). These vehicles both travel at speeds of 65mph and above.

Additionally, Washington, along with several other states, have instituted laws allowing Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) and Medium Speed Electric Vehicles (MSEV) to travel up to 35 MPH.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), restricts the use of an NEV to roads posted at 35 MPH or less, with an NEV top speed limit of 25 MPH. Additional states are working on legislation to increase NEV speeds on their streets.

How long will the batteries go on one charge?

Range depends on many factors including battery maintenance practices, terrain, temperature, load, battery pack chemistry and design and more. Broadly, electric vehicles that MC Electric Vehicles carries (depending on the make and model) may have a range as low as 20 miles or as much as 100 miles. Because MC Electric Vehicles carries such a broad range of electric assist bicycles, cars, trucks, vans, and electrically powered industrial and recreational vehicles we can better answer this question when we know which vehicle interests you, and we encourage you to call or email us so that we can better assist you.

How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

There is a great deal of variance between vehicles made and designed by different manufacturers, and more within different battery pack designs within each manufacturer.

Whether you choose to choose to charge at 110 volts (regular house current that you might run your television or vacuum cleaner on) or 220 volts (the sort of power that runs your washer, dryer, oven, or many refrigerators) also significantly affects charge times.

In general terms, 220 volt current (where practical) charges roughly twice as fast on a given battery pack as 110 volt current. Most lead-acid packs charge from a complete discharge in between 8-10 hours, and Lithium in 4-6 hours.

The above are generalizations, and should be treated as such! Each vehicle and battery pack, not surprisingly, has its own specifications, which we are happy to share with you.

How much does it cost to operate?

On average, it costs under a dollar for a full charge of most battery packs, depending on electric rates in your area.  Think in terms of a penny a mile and you won't be terribly far off.  This can be up to 92% less than the cost of running a combustion driven vehicle. Studies also show that maintenance and repair can be less than 10% of the cost of standard automobile upkeep.

How often do I have to replace the batteries?

Because the industry is experiencing a wave of innovation, we currently see a broad range of both economy-oriented and range-oriented battery choices available. Most manufacturers offer various guarantees of between 12 months and 2 years on lead acid battery packs, and the trend is to offer substantially greater guarantees on OEM lithium battery packs. Older designs commonly used a 6-pack of lead acid deep cycle marine batteries, with more recent designs taking a much wider variety of approaches.

Can I really drive an electric vehicle on the streets?

Yes. The NEV/LSV category of electric vehicles are authorized by the federal government on roads posted at 35 mph or less, and the new Wheego LiFE (when delivered) and the Zero motorcycles (available TODAY) will be authorized on all public roads.

What tax incentives are available?

The State of Washington actively encourages the purchase and operation of Electric Vehicles and waives sales tax waiver on the purchase of many new electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure.  Additionally, Federal tax credits are available on the purchase of many new electric vehicles (up to $2,500 on an NEV, and $7,500 on Full Speed Electric Vehicles)

Is insurance an issue?

No. While not every carrier has caught on to the fact that EV's exist as safe, practical, and non-polluting transportation options, more and more have. Our customers tell us of success with Farmers, State Farm, Geico and more. In some cases, you may actually see insurance savings over a comparably priced combustion driven vehicle.

Is financing available?

Yes.  Group Health Credit Union, Verity Credit Union, Prevail Credit Union and some banks have provided financing for our customers.

Why electric vehicles?

Operating costs, reduced pollution, a desire to decrease foreign oil dependence, a limited supply of oil driving a brutal supply/demand environment,and simple technophilia have all been reasons customers have given us for purchasing an electric car or truck. In some cases, it's as simple as not wanting to generate toxic carbon monoxide in an indoor environment.

Since electric cars have been around for so long, why all the fuss now with driving on city streets?

For a very long time custom conversions, antiques, and electric golf cars were the only electric car option generally available. The golf carts, particularly, had less power and often controller systems that shortened battery life while seldom equipped with even rudimentary safety features. Modern electric cars have the power, speed, much-improved controllers that do not shorten battery life - and the features necessary for safe operation on the public roads.  In addition, our cars now run on alternating current (AC) motors, versus the direct current (DC) motors on earlier vehicles.

Are there any people or groups already using EV's in our area?

YES. MC Electric Vehicles alone has sold roughly 300 electric cars and trucks in the Northwest to individuals, businesses, institutions, and governmental organizations. Interest groups include:

• Seattle EV Association

• National Electric Auto Association

• The Electric Drive Transportation Association(EDTA) for information about electric drive technologies.

• If you want to RACE your new NEV, check out the National Electric Drag-Racing Association

What other benefits does going electric give me?

• Time. Never visiting a gas station again. Charging at work, at home, and in the community.
  Quiet. An EV is much quieter than the average gas-burner.
  

• Clean. No more driving a fume-spewing toxin dripping vehicles to accomplish daily tasks. No exhaust, no oil changes, and no anti-freeze leaks. And no gas or diesel stench.    

• Maintenance.  Radiators with their connecting hoses and fluids, spark plugs and wires, caps and rotors, exhaust systems, and oil changes/filters are all things of the past when you drive electric. 

The 21st Century is here.

The time is now.